Royal Live Oaks Academy teacher named teacher of the year

For Hardeeville Today Gregg Dixon is a fourth-grade teacher of English and social studies at Royal Live Oaks Academy of the Arts and Sciences. He was named S.C. Charter School District Teacher of the Year.

Royal Live Oaks Academy fourth-grade teacher Gregg Dixon was named the 2013 S.C. Public Charter School District Teacher of the Year.

A Ridgeland native, Dixon spent two years with the Jasper County School District before deciding to move to the charter school.

“I’m very thankful for my experiences so far,” Dixon said. “I’ve learned to become more innovative in the classroom.”

He teaches English and social studies to fourth graders. Because RLOA is a project-based learning school, Dixon has had to incorporate new assignments for his students.

“Through the curriculum, students test their abilities on paper, and also through creating a product, giving them hands-on experience.”

Karen Wicks, executive director of RLOA, said Dixon has adapted quickly to the project-based learning.

“Mr. Dixon is an excellent example of how to infuse discovery learning into the classroom environment,” said Wicks. “He makes learning fun and challenging at the same time. He knew little of project-based learning when he came to the school, but has been a sponge for learning. His classroom is a wonderful example of differentiated instruction, and his students’ projects are a means for individualization.”

Dixon decided to pursue a career in education because he loves to learn himself. Through research, reading or even day-to-day experiences, Dixon shares with his classroom what he has learned over the years.

“I tell my kids, I don’t know a lot, but whatever I do know, I’m willing to share,” Dixon said. “When I see them using a skill or concept I’ve taught them, that makes a big impression on me.”

Before Dixon was named Teacher of the Year, he submitted his philosophy of education to the S.C. Public Charter School District and someone from the state observed his classroom and interviewed his students.

Wayne Brazell, S.C. Public Charter School District superintendent said Dixon represents some of the best characteristics of an excellent teacher.

“He is very serious about student performance, communicates often with parents, utilizes high-quality teaching methods, and he provides an individualized learning experience. We certainly congratulate him on this well-earned recognition,” Brazell said.

Dixon said he continues to learn from students on a daily basis and has developed many relationships in his classroom along with students’ parents. To better his classroom, he wrote and received the Palmetto Bright Ideas grant which uses the Pixton writing software to develop cartoons written and designed by students.

“In the development of the cartoons, students need to identify a problem within the local community and demonstrate a way to solve the problem within their stories,” Wicks said. “His infusion of technology into the learning milieu has enhanced instructional delivery and innovative writing opportunities for all students.”

While it has been a change moving from a public school, Dixon said he loves the open door policy at RLOA.

“It was a completely different experience than what I was used to. The administration, parents and teachers are held accountable and everyone listens when there is a concern or issue,” Dixon said.

Dixon’s future goals include teaching abroad for a semester then returning to Jasper County to better education.

MEET GREGG DIXON

Age: 28

Education: BS in elementary education from Fort Hays State University

Career: Two years as a teacher with the Jasper County School District, first year at Royal Live Oaks

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